Studio Ghibliis a name that needs no introduction. The studio is behind some of the greatest anime movies of all time. The place Hayao Miyazaki has called home for most of his career is about as respected and revered as you may be in the world of animation. Despite this acclaim, some movies are received better than others (Earwig and the Angry WitchandTales of Earthseawere not exactly embraced upon their release).
Yet even a bad Ghibli film is still better than most. This is why a movie likeThe Red Turtleis so unique; it is not only one of Ghibli’s most artistic achievements, it is a movie that most Studio Ghibli fans outright ignore and choose not to watch. Why is this? What is it about this film that makes fans of the legendary studio want to avoid it?
RELATED:Everything You Need To Know About Hayao Miyazaki’s Last Film
What is The Red Turtle?
The Red Turtleis an animated film that was released in 2016. It is aco-production between Studio Ghibliand several prominent French production companies (most notably Wild Bunch). The film is notable because it marked the first international collaboration for Studio Ghibli. The movie is a dialogue-free film that relies solely on visual storytelling without any spoken words. It follows the story of a man who becomes stranded on a deserted island after his ship is wrecked in a storm. The man’s attempts to escape the island are repeatedly thwarted by a Red Sea turtle. However, as time passes, a mysterious transformation occurs that alters the man’s life.
Directed by Dutch-British animator Michaël Dudok de Wit, the film was noted for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation and its poignant exploration of themes such as nature, isolation, and the circle of life. In many ways, it was a typical Ghibli film. It received widespread critical acclaim for its beautiful visuals, emotional depth, and the way it conveys complex ideas without dialogue.
Who is Michaël Dudok de Wit?
Michaël Dudok de Wit is a Dutch-British director known primarily for his work in the field of animation. Born on June 15, 2025, in Abcoude, the Netherlands, Dudok de Wit initially studied graphic design at the West Surrey College of Art and Design in England before later attending the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, England. Dudok de Wit gained international recognition with his animated short filmFather and Daughter(2000). The film, which he wrote and directed, tells a poignant and emotional story about the bond between a father and his daughter. It received numerous awards,including the Academy Awardfor Best Animated Short Film in 2001.
Following the success ofFather and Daughter, Dudok de Wit collaborated with Studio Ghibli for his first feature film.Father and Daughterimpressed Studio Ghibli’s producer Toshio Suzuki, and when he found out about the subject matter ofThe Red Turtle, he offered Ghibli’s services to help produce and animate the film (partially as a result of the studio not having a movie in active production at the time). Michaël Dudok de Wit has been celebrated for his ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through his animation. His works often explore themes of love, loss, and the beauty of everyday life. His attention to detail and dedication to hand-drawn animation have made him a highly respected figure in the industry.
The Red Turtle’s Reception
The Red Turtlewon numerous awards, including the Special Jury Prize at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. It was alsonominated for the Best Animated Feature Filmcategory at the 89th Academy Awards. The film has captivated audiences around the world with its unique storytelling and artistic style, making it a standout addition to the animated film landscape.
Why Do Studio Ghibli Fans Ignore it?
Despite officially being considered part of Studio Ghibli’s canon (and having the producing power of Suzuki andIsao Takahata),The Red Turtledoesn’tfeellike a Studio Ghibli film. It’s not only that this is the only time their iconic blue logo was red (a fitting change for a number of reasons), it’s that the movie doesn’t even look like anime. Indeed, while Ghibli may have provided a lot of the animation for the film,The Red Turtlewas never going to look like previous Studio Ghibli films.
The lack of dialog also tends to throw fans of Studio Ghibli off, as it forces viewers to confront the more unorthodox animation style head on, making the already different look of the film even more of a challenge. Then, of course, there’s the fact that this movie was written and directed by director of Dutch and British descent. Anime (and specifically Studio Ghibli) feels the way it does becauseJapanese culture inspires it. Japan births these shows. So when you have someone of a different national background directing a film, it’s going to reflect their cultural sensibilities.
Dudok de Wit is a great director, but he is not Japanese, nor isThe Red Turtleinfluenced by Japanese culture. Whether a viewer can articulate this or not, that leaves The Red Turtle feeling thematically different fromother Studio Ghibli films, adding to the ‘red sheep’ status of the film. Ultimately, it’s a shame many Studio Ghibli fans pass onThe Red Turtle, because even though it stands out the most among the Ghibli catalog, it is also a beautiful and unique film that has a power that other Ghibli films don’t have, and it is worth experiencing on its own merits.
